Coastal Research Scientist

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Job Posting Title:

Coastal Research Scientist

Position Type:

Other Academic

Department:

LSUAM ORED - SBSAH - Center for Coastal Resiliency (Chris Kees (00066175))

Work Location:

1110 S. River Road Suite 100

Pay Grade:

Other Academic

Job Description:

This position is responsible for leading and coordinating advanced interdisciplinary research activities focused on science, engineering, and design in coastal basin systems. The position requires specialized expertise in coastal processes, computational modeling, engineering design, applied mathematics, environmental systems, or related scientific disciplines supporting coastal resilience and ecosystem sustainability.The incumbent will independently lead and contribute to complex research initiatives involving development and application of computational models, engineering analyses, experimental design, field and laboratory investigations, and interdisciplinary coastal systems research. Responsibilities include project leadership, proposal development, mentorship of graduate and undergraduate researchers, coordination of collaborative research activities, and dissemination of research findings through technical reports, presentations, and professional engagement activities.This position exercises a high degree of independent judgment and technical expertise while collaborating with faculty, research personnel, governmental agencies, and external partners to advance applied coastal research initiatives supporting informed coastal design, ecosystem sustainability, flood and storm risk mitigation, and community resilience.

Job Responsibilities

Independent Research Leadership & Technical Execution - Lead and conduct advanced interdisciplinary research related to coastal systems science, engineering, computational modeling, environmental processes, and coastal resilience initiatives. Develop, implement, and apply computational models, engineering analyses, laboratory or field experiments, and technical methodologies supporting coastal basin research and design objectives.Independently coordinate and execute research tasks within large interdisciplinary projects while ensuring scientific integrity, technical quality, and compliance with applicable research standards and protocols. Analyze and interpret complex scientific and technical data and contribute to development of innovative methodologies, tools, and applied research solutions.Collaborate with faculty investigators, research personnel, governmental agencies, and external stakeholders on applied coastal research initiatives and technical problem-solving efforts. (60%)

Research Project Coordination & Program Support - Coordinate research activities across interdisciplinary teams and assist with planning, organization, and implementation of complex research initiatives and sponsored project activities. Contribute to project management activities including research planning, task coordination, progress tracking, reporting, and communication with project stakeholders and funding agencies.Serve as Principal Investigator, Co-Principal Investigator, or key research personnel on sponsored research projects as appropriate.Assist with management and coordination of laboratory, computational, or field research operations, equipment utilization, technical workflows, and research documentation. (15%)

Proposal Development & Research Funding Activities - Identify and support development of external funding opportunities related to coastal science, engineering, computational modeling, and interdisciplinary environmental research initiatives.Contribute to preparation, writing, and submission of competitive research proposals, technical scopes of work, supporting documentation, and project deliverables for federal, state, nonprofit, and private funding agencies.Participate in development of collaborative research initiatives and strategic research partnerships. (10%)

Mentorship, Training, & Collaborative Engagement - Provide mentorship, technical guidance, and research support to graduate students, undergraduate students, and other research personnel participating in coastal research initiatives.Assist in development of technical skills, research methodologies, data analysis approaches, and professional development activities for student researchers.Participate in professional meetings, workshops, technical presentations, outreach activities, and interdisciplinary collaborations representing the research program and advancing scientific engagement initiatives. (10%)

Other duties as assigned. (5%)

Minimum Qualifications

Ph.D civil engineering, environmental engineering, coastal engineering, computational applied mathematics, coastal science, ecology, biology, environmental science, or a related field.

Demonstrated experience conducting advanced scientific or engineering research in coastal systems, environmental processes, computational modeling, applied mathematics, engineering design, or related interdisciplinary research areas.Experience coordinating complex research activities, collaborating within interdisciplinary research teams, and contributing to proposal development and sponsored research initiatives.

Preferred Qualifications

Ph.D in civil, environmental, or coastal engineering, computational applied mathematics, coastal science, ecology, biology or science centered on coastal systems.

Experience serving in leadership roles on sponsored research projects.Experience mentoring graduate and undergraduate researchers.Experience with computational modeling, data analysis, laboratory experimentation, field investigations, or engineering applications related to coastal systems.Experience preparing technical reports, research presentations, and proposal materials.Experience collaborating with governmental agencies, interdisciplinary research teams, and external stakeholders.

Additional Job Description:

Special Instructions:

Please provide a cover letter, resume, and three (3) professional references including name, title, phone number, and e-mail address.

Please attach ALL required documents under the "Resume/CV" section of your application.

A copy of your transcript(s) may be attached to your application (if available). However, original transcripts are required before hiring.

Due to the nature of the position and/or position responsibilities, this position shall be subject to pre-employment screenings in accordance with University Policies as required and RS:17 screenings (https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?p=y&d=1297548).

For questions or concerns about updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected].

For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact Dr. Chris Kees at [email protected].

Posting Date:

May 15, 2026

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):

November 6, 2026

Additional Position Information:

Background Check - An offer of employment is contingent on a satisfactory pre-employment background check.

Benefits - LSU offers outstanding benefits to eligible employees and their dependents including health, life, dental, and vision insurance; flexible spending accounts; retirement options; various leave options; paid holidays; wellness benefits; tuition exemption for qualified positions; training and development opportunities; employee discounts; and more!

Positions approved to work outside the State of Louisiana shall be employed through Louisiana State University’s partner, nextSource Workforce Solutions, for Employer of Record Services including but not limited to employment, benefits, payroll, and tax compliance. Positions employed through Employer of Record Services will be offered benefits and retirement as applicable through their provider and will not be eligible for State of Louisiana benefits and retirement.

Essential Position (Y/N):

LSU is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

All candidates must have valid U.S. work authorization at the time of hire and maintain that valid work authorization throughout employment. Changes in laws, regulations, or government policies may impact the university’s ability to employ individuals in certain positions.

HCM Contact Information:

For questions or concerns related to updating your application with attachments (e.g., resumes, RS:17 documents), date of birth, or reactivating applications, please contact the LSU Human Resources Management Office at 225-578-8200 or email [email protected].  For questions or concerns regarding the status of your application or salary ranges, please contact the department using the information provided in the Special Instructions section of this job posting.